Hugh Jackman will star in the upcoming film The Death of Robin Hood, a unique and intense adaptation of the classic tale based on the 17th-century ballad “Robin Hood’s Death.” This new thriller, set for release in 2026, takes a darker approach to the legendary outlaw’s story, focusing on themes of regret and violence. Significantly, the film has received an R rating for strong bloody violence, making it one of the rare Robin Hood adaptations to carry such a classification.
Comparing Ratings Among Robin Hood Films
Unlike recent versions from Russell Crowe, Kevin Costner, and Taron Egerton, which were rated PG-13, The Death of Robin Hood stands out with its intense rating. Only a few past adaptations, such as The Siege of Robin Hood and Robin Hood: Ghosts of Sherwood, also carried R ratings, but none match the profile of this star-studded A24 production. The more family-friendly portrayals, like Disney’s 1973 animated classic, maintained a G rating, highlighting the stark contrast in tone and content.
A Somber Vision Under Michael Sarnoski’s Direction
Written and directed by Michael Sarnoski, the film portrays Robin Hood as a tormented figure haunted by his violent past. The story unfolds as a nurse tends to the wounded hero following a brutal battle, rather than focusing on his heroic deeds. This somber and psychological depiction redefines the folklore’s usual narrative of heroism and vigilantism, opting for a more introspective and gritty experience.
Prominent Cast Brings the Story to Life
Alongside Hugh Jackman, the cast features Jodie Comer, Bill Skarsgård, Murray Bartlett, and Noah Jupe. Notably, Skarsgård takes on the role of Little John, the trusted companion to Robin Hood. This ensemble promises a complex, character-driven story that diverges from traditional portrayals, emphasizing emotional depth and conflict.
Past Robin Hood Projects and Their Reception
The most recent major film adaptation was the 2018 version starring Taron Egerton, which, despite its strong cast including Jamie Foxx and Eve Hewson, failed to perform well critically or commercially. It grossed $86 million against a $100 million budget. Critically, this film holds the lowest Rotten Tomatoes score among major adaptations at 14%, compared to 43% for Russell Crowe’s, 51% for Kevin Costner’s, and 42% for Cary Elwes’ versions. Errol Flynn’s classic The Adventures of Robin Hood remains the highest-rated with a perfect 100% score.
Recent TV Adaptation and Future Expectations
More favorably, MGM+ produced a TV series starring Sean Bean and Jack Patten, which holds a 77% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. However, as of now, the show has not been renewed for a second season. With The Death of Robin Hood scheduled for 2026, audiences can expect a fresh, darker narrative that contrasts sharply with both previous films and recent television efforts.
